FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, March 6, 2024
Contact:
Julie Hirschhorn
AAFP Public Relations
jhirschhorn@aafp.org
Statement attributable to:
Steven P. Furr, MD, FAAFP
President
American Academy of Family Physicians
“The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) appreciates that Congress has provided partial relief from Medicare physician payment cuts but remains concerned that more short-term patches will limit meaningful investment in the primary care workforce.
“We’ve repeatedly told Congress that the 3.4% Medicare payment reduction that went into effect on January 1 is untenable for family physicians and threatens patients’ access to primary care. With the passage of this legislation, Congress has offset 2.93% of that payment cut. We appreciate this temporary measure but continue to urge Congress to advance comprehensive, long-term Medicare payment reform.
“Additionally, the AAFP is disappointed that Congress has only reauthorized the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education program through Dec. 31, 2024. THCGME is a critical program that encourages physicians to practice in rural and other underserved communities. Short-term extensions jeopardize access to care for millions of patients. Without the stability of a multi-year reauthorization, family medicine residents face significant uncertainty about what their future looks like. This approach to funding discourages residents from choosing to practice in areas where health care access is already at risk.
“While we appreciate congressional efforts to strengthen our nation’s primary care system, we have much work to do to ensure access to equitable, comprehensive care for all. The AAFP remains committed to working with Congress to identify and advance meaningful policies to ensure we have a robust primary care infrastructure that meets the needs of our growing and aging population.”
###
About the American Academy of Family Physicians
The AAFP is the largest national association of family physicians, representing 128,300 physicians and medical students. Family medicine’s cornerstone is an ongoing, personal patient-physician relationship focused on impactful care for people of all ages, races and genders across all medical conditions. The AAFP supports every stage of a family physician's career and provides evidence-based resources, advocacy and community to empower family medicine. To learn more, visit aafp.org. For information about health care, medical conditions and wellness, please visit the AAFP’s patient education website, familydoctor.org.